Ignore the WTC Final if IPL is more important for you: Ravi Shastri criticizes BCCI

Ravi Shastri criticizes BCCI: When deciding between the Indian Premier League and national responsibilities, former national team head-coach Ravi Shastri thinks Indian players should establish clear priorities. India’s propensity to stumble at important events continues to hinder them, as seen by their dismal performance against Australia in the World Test Championship final. Since winning the Champions title in 2013, the men in blue have yet to win an ICC title.

India conceded 469 runs in the WTC final and finished Day 2 with a score of 151/5. Top-order batsmen Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli failed to live up to expectations despite participating in the IPL.

All the players, with the exception of Cheteshwar Pujara, were occupied participating in the lucrative competition on behalf of their respective teams. While Indian players took their trip to the UK in various groups, Australian players arrived in England considerably earlier to acclimatize themselves to the surroundings. If clubs don’t release players who are called up by their nations, FIFA has very strict restrictions in place for them.

‘IPL Or WTC Final?, Ravi Shastri Criticizes BCCI After India’s Dismal Show In WTC Final

Shastri underlined the need of prioritizing clearly in an interview with Star Sports. Which is more important: franchise cricket or India, he questioned? and asked people to make a decision. The WTC final should be disregarded if franchise cricket comes first. Shastri clarified that the BCCI, as the organisation in charge, has the power if the WTC final is thought to be significant. He suggested including a provision in the IPL contract permitting the BCCI to pull players out of the competition to help Team India.

The 61-year-old further suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) incorporate a clause in IPL contracts enabling franchises to send out players for national duty. “First, put the clause and then ask the franchises to decide how much they want to invest. That is very important. You are the custodian of the sport. You control cricket in the country,” Shastri added further.

Meanwhile, following the loss of Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and Cheteshwar Pujara in the second innings, India was kept in the race by Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. India’s final-day score read 164/3, and they will need 280 runs to win the coveted mace.

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